Guide to Management Theory of Edgar Schein

Let the Edgar Schein organizational culture and leadership model transform your company
By Jeanne Dininni

Edgar Schein's management theory focuses on the culture within an organization. According to Schein, culture is the primary source of resistance to change within an organization, and an accurate understanding of organizational dynamics begins with recognizing this fact. Edgar Schein theory presents 3 levels of culture, which are necessary to understand for effective leadership: artifacts (surface cultures, such as dress, which are easily seen but difficult to decipher), espoused values (conscious goals, strategies and philosophies), and basic assumptions (unconscious beliefs and values that form the core of culture and affect everything we do).

Schein also analyzed group dynamics based on his theory of organizational culture. According to Schein theory, groups operate within the group culture in the same way that organizations operate within the culture of the organization. His model divides informal groups into 3 classifications:

1. Horizontal cliques, or informal groups of similar organizational rank who work in close proximity;

2. Vertical cliques, or groups containing various ranks within the same department; and

3. The last set identified by Schein's management theory, mixed cliques, or groups containing members of different ranks, departments and locations.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Acquire some background information on Schein management theory Numerous websites provide valuable information about Schein theory. In addition to diagrams and summaries of Schein's principles, you'll find various instructional materials that can help you develop the background knowledge and practical expertise to put Schein's management theory to work for your company.

I recommend: Cape Cod Institute offers courses on the Essence of Change, based on Edgar Schein's organizational culture and leadership theory, and 12Manage presents an explanation and diagram of Schein's three levels of culture.

Seek guidance as you incorporate Schein management theory into your company's program Consultants with knowledge and experience in the management theory of Edgar Schein can guide you in maximizing the benefit of his principles in your own company's unique environment.

I recommend: RapidBI offers consulting and coaching services, as well as training and development, which can help you better understand and implement the management theory of Edgar Schein. The company also offers paper or web-based surveys to further aid you in applying Schein management theory to your business. Orgdyne Training & Consulting, LLC provides customized face-to-face and online consulting services and training programs which focus on team building, leadership, group relations, and organizational effectiveness.

Investigate Schein management resources which can help you implement his advice Tools and resources available online can help you more easily implement Edgar Schein's management theories. Activities, games, exercises and other Edgar Schein theory-based products, information and services can help you learn the principles most valuable to your business.

I recommend: The Pfeiffer website offers downloadable guides to activities, games and exercises, as well as a group of ready-to-use activities, which can help you facilitate better group and organizational dynamics. See a list of Schein's management theory books at the Official Ed Schein Website, maintained by MIT, where Schein teaches at the Sloan School of Management.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

Be sure to take advantage of as many online tools and resources as possible to develop a clear understanding of the value that Schein management theories can have for your company.